Prohibition-style Twitter campaign works a tweet for DAA

Dublin Airport Authority’s early forays into social media appear to be paying dividends. A Twitter campaign to coincide with US President Barack Obama’s visit to Ireland yesterday saw its T2 shop sell 50 1-litre bottles of whiskey at US$1 or 71 cents, thanks to a single tweet.

In a modern take on the speak-easy, DAA tweeted: “To celebrate the arrival of President Obama, the Irish Whiskey Collection in T2 is offering Jameson at a prohibition price of just $1.”

In no time, 50 1-litre bottles were sold as followers nervously sidled up to the counter and spoke the password, "Moneygall".

The lucky passengers secured bottles of Jameson Irish Whiskey, which normally retails at €34.50 duty paid per bottle or €18.50 duty free per bottle, for just $1 (€0.71).

DAA retail director Paul Neeson explained: “Some customers were a little shy about repeating the codeword as they felt this offer was simply too good to be true. But they were thrilled with their prohibition whiskey purchase.”

A spokesman told Siliconrepublic.com: “Some of our retail guys were curious to see if Twitter would work as a sales tool and now they’re convinced.”

The airport said it will have other promotions this week to coincide with Obama’s visit. Check the @DublinAirport Twitter feed.